Muscat, Oman—March 28, 2011 A group of U.S. university and college presidents and vice presidents are visiting Oman this week as part of a special “Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad” program focusing on higher education in the United States and the Arab world.

Women account for nearly half of Oman’s population, but make up about one percent of its top leadership. A community leadership program, implemented by AMIDEAST with funding from Shell Development Oman LLC, has sought to enable Omani women to advance their leadership potential and play a greater role in their communities. 

“The workshop presents a great opportunity to meet diverse people, whether fellow participants, facilitators, or guest speakers," observed Layal Roumani (far right).

“Vision is not only creativity or a dream; it is how you make that dream come true,” Lebanese entrepreneur Nadim Saikali advises aspiring entrepreneurs in a training program recently launched in Lebanon.

Last year, Kalimat al Mashari enrolled in a unique job-training program at AMIDEAST/Oman designed to enhance the work skills and self-confidence of Omani women like her — high school graduates from underserved backgrounds who are unemployed.